The New Formal

Make a statement this spring

It’s spring! A time when rebirth, regrowth, and renewal abound. A time to put those pesky New Year’s resolutions on the back burner and have a little fun. Celebrate the accomplishments, big and small, you have already made this year. Celebrate the upcoming season, one of the nicest times to soak in the great outdoors.

Most importantly, celebrate YOU!

Allow this season of rejuvenation to flow through every facet of your life, including your wardrobe.

What better way to make your new style debut than at a friend’s wedding or a spring cocktail party? These Lakelander looks will keep you looking fresh, distinct, and on trend this season.

GO BOLD OR GO HOME SPORT

This spring, make a statement. Step into spring with confidence. Choose pieces that will make you stand out in a crowd — no wallflowers on our watch. Whether you choose to go bold with your clothing or your accessories, just make sure to go one way or the other — not both. Ladies, if you choose a dress or suit in an allover print or vibrant color, go minimal on your jewelry and accessories. On the other hand, if you find a statement necklace, earrings, or dynamite shoes, allow those pieces to take center stage while the rest of your ensemble acts as mere players to complement the main attraction. Fellas, don’t shy away from a bold print. You too can make a statement. A large-print floral shirt under a neutral-colored blazer is a good way to avoid blending in and give your party suit a stylish spring refresh.

COLOR CONFIDENCE

As you pack away the winter blues, send with them your blah winter wardrobe color choices. Keep in the spirit of revival this season, and start spring with a clean color slate. If there is any time to try out new colors, this is it! Bright, fresh colors exude fearlessness and confidence in their wearers. You’ll be ready to set the world on fire! So be brazen. If you normally stick to the basics, step outside your comfort zone. This season you will find a spectrum of colors from which to choose — bright pinks and blues to more earthy tones and pastels like blush pinks, mint greens, and softer blues. Whether you chose a bold bright or a subtle pastel, make sure it works with your skin tone, and wear it with confidence.

Ladies, we give you examples in this article of how to wear brights and neutrals. If you’re feeling like you need to throw some color in with your neutrals, pair a printed or colorful jacket (as we have done here) or pashmina. Or, use your accessories as that pop of color. Pair a marsala (Pantone color of the year) bag or shoe with an aquamarine or strawberry-blush dress.

Guys can easily experiment with spring colors in their suiting. Pick a bold color for the tie/bow tie, shirt, and even a vest that complements a neutral suit of a different color, like the featured green and gray suit combination. This is also an excellent way for guys to try their hand at this spring’s monochromatic color trend. fuchsia, purple floral midi A-line dress Adriana Pappel, Dillard’s white clutch Aldo pink pumps Guess, Marshall’s green resin bangle Trina Turk earrings Nordstrom

MAD ABOUT MONOCHROMATIC

This year’s spring runways were full of monochromatic looks. Designers combined looks in head-to-toe single color saturation or combinations with layered hues in the same color family. All-over white is making a comeback this season, a trend that has stood the test of time. There is nothing more chic or dapper than head-to-toe white. Ladies, try it in a suit or separates in varying textures. We’ve shown you an example of this on a previous page by pairing a white pleated leather midi skirt with a white and cream lace frock for a new spin on this old classic. If the idea of one color tone scares you, try approaching it by selecting two neutral/ complementing colors, wearing only those head to toe in larger color blocks. The white and blue color combination, like the one shown here, is a great example of a classic color mix that gives the look and feel of monochromatic coloring while not committing all the way.

MIX IT UP

Don’t be afraid to mix formal pieces with typical casual wear. A formal event, like a spring wedding, is the perfect opportunity to try this new idea. Create a cool look by pairing unsuspecting pieces together.

Ladies, we show you an example of this by pairing a floor-length satin skirt with a short-sleeve button-down chambray top. The key to mastering this look is in adding formal jewelry and accessories. Want to add a little more oomph to your basic frock? If it has a waist seam, limited material on the skirt, and the lengths work, try throwing a skirt over it as we have done here with our pleated leather skirt.

Gentlemen, play around with the idea of deconstructing your formal suit by pairing it with a more casual knit, like the lightweight nautical striped one (shown on a previous page) and layered with the camel-colored sport coat. For an even easier approach, simply leave your suit blazer at home, unbutton your shirt, and throw on a classic pair of suspenders to create a more relaxed, remixed, spring party look.